August 11, 1997
Texas A&M Head Football Coach R.C. Slocum welcomed a total of 28 newcomers to Aggieland on Monday. Six walkons joined the 22 scholarship players in reporting before the evening meal.
"Everyone reported and is eligible to compete," Coach Slocum said. "In the recruiting process, we try to predict who will have what it takes to qualify academically. But the system is so involved that it's not unusual to have a player or two waiting to be cleared. I'm pleased because it is one less distraction and everyone is ready to get started."
Included in the 22 scholarship players is Justin Ferrell, a defensive lineman from McAllen, Texas and Sharyland High School, who transferred from Nebraska and will have to sit out this season. Ferrell will have three years of eligibility remaining.
The newcomers will undergo physicals and academic testing on Tuesday before hitting the field for the first time on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
Texas A&M veteran players report in time for dinner on Thursday and the entire team begins two-a-day workouts on Saturday, Aug. 16. All workouts are closed to the public.
The Aggies will host Sam Houston State on Sept. 6 in the season opener.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Please contact the sports information office for workout times and sites.